ABB developing climate instrument for the Canadian Space Agency.
ABB has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency to develop an infrared imager. This is part of a space mission aiming to quantify the extent to which thin ice clouds contribute to uncertainty in climate modelling.
ABB has been commissioned by the Canadian Space Agency to develop the TICFIRE (Thin Ice Clouds and Far Infrared Emissions) infrared spectral imager. TICFIRE is an integral part of the High-altitude Aerosols, Water vapour and Clouds (HAWC) satellite mission. This initiative, which is being led by Canada, is focused on advancing climate science and environmental monitoring. As detailed in a press releaseissued by the Zurich-based electrification and automation group, the company will also work to support further technology development activities that are to be defined over the course of the project.
According to ABB, this contract underscores the commitment of the 220-strong team of engineers focused on space technologies at ABB’s Quebec City site in Canada. ABB also operates seven other locationsin the country. As a provider of optical satellite instruments, ABB currently has more than 40 optical instruments in orbit to observe the atmosphere and surface of the Earth. ABB’s first collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency dates back around 30 years, when MOPIT was developed and then launched in 1999. This atmospheric sensor was the first one to map carbon monoxide levels worldwide.
Now, however, the HAWC space mission is seeking to quantify for the first time the extent to which thin ice clouds contribute to uncertainty in climate modelling. Specifically, it is intended to provide crucial data aimed at improving the forecasting of extreme weather events, in addition to optimizing climate modeling, supporting air quality assessments and assisting the monitoring of natural disasters such as forest fires, volcanic eruptions and heavy rainfall. In this way, HAWC is expected to contribute to the Atmosphere Observing System, a potential international NASA mission provisionally scheduled for launch in 2031.
“We are proud to be a part of this important scientific mission”, comments Marc Corriveau, General Manager for ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division in Canada. “ABB’s purpose is to enable a more sustainable and resource efficient future, and it is precisely through work like this we can contribute to a deeper understanding of our planet, helping to ensure long-term resilience”.
Source: swisstrade
https://swisstrade.com/news